On April 13, 2026, a significant event unfolded in Saint-Ambroise, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, as a part of the roof of Intermarché collapsed shortly after the store opened. Witnesses reported hearing a cracking sound before the incident, raising immediate concerns about safety and structural integrity. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has left the community and store owners in a state of uncertainty.
Intermarché, a popular grocery store in the area, is now evaluating the possibility of a partial reopening within one to two weeks. Samuel Pilote, a local resident, shared, “Dimanche matin, mon frère Alex était sur les lieux,” indicating that the situation was closely monitored by those in the community. The collapse has prompted a rallying of support for the store’s owners, as noted by Pier-Luc Gilbert, who stated, “La communauté s’est tout de suite ralliée pour supporter les propriétaires.” This solidarity highlights the importance of local businesses in the community.
In the midst of this turmoil, another grocery store, Liquidation Marie, is making headlines for its expansion plans. Founded in 2012 in Saint-Zotique, the store has rapidly grown from five locations in May 2025 to more than double that by early 2026. Liquidation Marie is positioning itself as a low-cost grocery option, claiming to offer savings of up to 80% on food purchases, which is particularly appealing in the current economic climate.
As part of its growth strategy, Liquidation Marie is set to launch a delivery service for its grocery products. However, the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, and there are uncertainties regarding whether the store will partner with a third-party delivery service. Sylvain Charlebois, a food industry expert, expressed skepticism about the potential costs, stating, “Je serais surpris que Liquidation Marie absorbe les coûts de transport.” This indicates that while the delivery service could enhance customer convenience, it may also pose financial challenges for the store.
The juxtaposition of Liquidation Marie’s expansion and Intermarché’s crisis underscores the dynamic nature of the grocery retail landscape in the region. While Liquidation Marie seeks to capitalize on its growth and the demand for affordable groceries, Intermarché faces the daunting task of recovering from a structural failure that could impact its operations and community trust.
As the situation develops, the community will be watching closely to see how Intermarché navigates the aftermath of the roof collapse and whether Liquidation Marie can successfully implement its delivery service. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the cause of the roof collapse at Intermarché, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the store’s future.
The events of April 13 serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses and the resilience of communities that support them. The outcome of these developments will be crucial for both stores and the residents who rely on them for their grocery needs.